Designing the Future Through Genetic Science: Ethical Dilemmas

Article Level: A2

Explanation: This article explains how genetic science can help fight diseases and improve lives, but it also raises important ethical questions. It discusses fairness, animal testing, and the risk of creating “designer babies,” encouraging careful and respectful use of this science.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Gene /dʒiːn/ (noun): A part of DNA that controls traits like eye colour or health.

   A gene can decide your hair colour.

2. Disease /dɪˈziːz/ (noun): A health problem or illness.

   Doctors use science to fight disease.

3. Ethical /ˈɛθɪkəl/ (adjective): Related to right and wrong.

   The test raised ethical questions.

4. Unfair /ʌnˈfeə(r)/ (adjective): Not equal or just.

   Some say gene editing is unfair to poor people.

5. Law /lɔː/ (noun): A rule made by the government.

   The law says what is allowed in science.
   
   

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Designing the Future Through Genetic Science: Ethical Dilemmas

Genetic science is changing the world. It helps doctors find and treat diseases. It also helps farmers grow better crops. But some people are asking an important question: is it always right to change genes?

Genes are the building blocks of life. They carry information about how our bodies grow and work. Scientists can now change genes using new tools. This is called genetic engineering. It can be very helpful. For example, doctors can fix a gene to stop a child from being born with a serious illness.

However, genetic science also brings ethical dilemmas. An ethical dilemma is a problem that makes people think about what is right or wrong. Some people believe it is wrong to change human genes, even if it helps. They worry that it could be used to create “designer babies.” These are babies whose hair, eye colour, or intelligence are chosen by parents before birth. Many people think this is unfair and unnatural.

Another worry is about money. Changing genes is very expensive. This means only rich people might be able to use this science. Poor families may not get the same chances. This could make the gap between rich and poor even bigger.

There are also questions about animals. Scientists sometimes test genetic changes on animals. Some people think this is cruel. They believe animals should not suffer for human benefit.

Many countries are now making laws to control genetic science. These laws try to make sure it is used in a safe and fair way. But the laws are different in each country. Some countries allow more genetic changes than others.

In the future, genetic science may help cure many diseases. It may also help us live longer and healthier lives. But it is important to ask questions. Just because we can do something does not mean we should. Society needs to think carefully about the good and bad sides of this science.

In conclusion, genetic science can bring great changes. It can help people and save lives. But it also brings difficult questions. We must use this science with care and respect. Talking about these ethical dilemmas helps us make better choices for the future.

Grammar Notes

Grammar Focus: Present Simple Tense
This article mainly uses the present simple tense to talk about facts and general truths.

• Example: “Genetic science is changing the world.”

• Example: “Genes carry information about how our bodies grow.”

Short Grammar Lesson:
We use the present simple tense to describe things that are always true or happen regularly.

• Structure: Subject + base verb (add -s for he/she/it)

• Example: “Scientists change genes.”

• Example: “She studies genetic science.”

 

Five Questions Based on the Article

• What do genes do in our bodies?

• Why do some people worry about “designer babies”?

• What is one reason genetic science can be unfair?

• How do some people feel about testing on animals?

• What should society do before using genetic science?

   

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